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NATIONAL STUDENTS' FILM FESTIVAL, MUMBAI (NSFF'26)

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS


ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

By submitting a film to the National Students' Film Festival, Mumbai (hereinafter referred to as "NSFF" or "the Festival"), you (the "Filmmaker" or "Participant") explicitly acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions in their entirety.

Submission of a film constitutes full acceptance of these terms. Any personal terms and conditions proposed by the Filmmaker are expressly waived unless agreed to in writing by NSFF prior to submission.


1. ELIGIBILITY AND SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1.1 The Festival is open exclusively to student filmmakers currently enrolled in an accredited educational institution or who have graduated within the past 24 months from the submission deadline.

1.2 All films must have been completed after January 1, 2023.

1.3 Filmmakers must submit the completed Consent/Declaration Form along with their film entry. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

1.4 Submission fees (if applicable) are non-refundable under any circumstances, including withdrawal, disqualification, or rejection of the film.

1.5 NSFF reserves the right to reject any submission that does not meet technical specifications, content guidelines, or eligibility criteria without providing detailed justification.


2. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND LEGAL COMPLIANCE

2.1 The Filmmaker warrants that they are the sole and original creator of the submitted film and hold all necessary rights to submit it to the Festival.

2.2 The Filmmaker guarantees that the film does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, privacy right, publicity right, or any other intellectual property or legal right of any third party.

2.3 The Filmmaker confirms that all necessary licenses, clearances, and permissions (including music synchronization rights, performance rights, location releases, and talent releases) have been obtained and will provide proof upon request.

2.4 NSFF assumes no responsibility for any copyright infringement, privacy violation, defamation claim, or other legal issue arising from the content of submitted films. The Filmmaker assumes full legal responsibility for all content.


3. FILMMAKER INDEMNIFICATION

3.1 The Filmmaker agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless NSFF, its organizers, sponsors, partners, venue owners, volunteers, jury members, and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, damages, liabilities, costs, losses, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees and court costs) arising from or related to:

  • Any breach of these Terms and Conditions by the Filmmaker
  • Any intellectual property infringement claim related to the submitted film
  • Any claim of defamation, invasion of privacy, violation of publicity rights, or other tort
  • Any injury, loss, or damage caused by the screening or exhibition of the film
  • Any misrepresentation or inaccuracy in the information provided by the Filmmaker
  • Any violation of applicable laws or regulations by the Filmmaker in the production or submission of the film

3.2 This indemnification obligation survives the conclusion of the Festival and continues indefinitely.


4. FESTIVAL RIGHTS AND USAGE

4.1 Screening Rights

By submitting a film, the Filmmaker grants NSFF a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to publicly screen the film at all official Festival events, including but not limited to: opening and closing ceremonies, competitive screenings, special showcases, jury screenings, industry screenings, and any Festival-related educational or cultural events.

4.2 Promotional Rights

The Filmmaker grants NSFF the right to use the film's title, synopsis, stills, clips (not exceeding 10% of the total runtime), director's name and photograph, and other film-related materials for promotional purposes across all media platforms, including:

  • Festival website, social media channels, and digital communications
  • Press releases, media kits, and publicity materials
  • Festival trailers, sizzle reels, and promotional videos
  • Print advertisements, posters, and program guides
  • Broadcast and streaming media partnerships

4.3 Archival Rights

NSFF reserves the right to retain one (1) copy of the submitted film for archival and historical documentation purposes. Archived films will not be publicly screened or distributed without express written permission from the Filmmaker, except for internal Festival reference and research.

4.4 Award Recognition

If the film receives an award, special mention, or jury recognition, NSFF has the right to publicly announce such recognition and use the film title and Filmmaker's name in perpetuity in Festival archives, winner announcements, historical records, and promotional materials referencing past editions.


5. FESTIVAL DISCRETION AND PROGRAMMING

5.1 Acceptance of a film for submission does not guarantee selection for screening. NSFF reserves absolute discretion in film selection, programming decisions, and scheduling.

5.2 NSFF reserves the right to determine the screening format, venue, date, and time for selected films. Filmmakers will be notified of screening details in advance whenever reasonably possible.

5.3 NSFF may categorize films into competitive sections, non-competitive showcases, or special programs at its sole discretion.

5.4 The Festival reserves the right to modify the program schedule due to unforeseen circumstances, force majeure events, or operational requirements without liability to the Filmmaker.

5.5 NSFF reserves the right to disqualify or withdraw a film from the Festival at any stage if:

  • Any information provided is found to be false, misleading, or inaccurate
  • The film is found to violate applicable laws, regulations, or Festival content policies
  • The Filmmaker engages in conduct deemed harmful to the Festival's reputation or operations
  • Rights issues, legal claims, or disputes arise concerning the film


6. TECHNICAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY

6.1 Films must be submitted in the technical format specified in the Festival's submission guidelines.

6.2 NSFF will make reasonable efforts to screen films in optimal technical quality but cannot guarantee flawless projection due to variables beyond the Festival's control (venue equipment, power supply, file compatibility, etc.).

6.3 NSFF is not liable for any technical issues, quality degradation, or screening problems arising from file format incompatibility, corrupt files, or inadequate master quality.

6.4 Filmmakers are responsible for providing backup screening formats if requested by the Festival.


7. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

7.1 NSFF's liability to the Filmmaker is limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.

7.2 Under no circumstances shall NSFF be liable for:

  • Loss, damage, theft, or destruction of submitted materials (though reasonable care will be exercised)
  • Any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages
  • Loss of profit, reputation, opportunities, or business relationships
  • Critical reviews, negative publicity, or audience reception of the film
  • Technical malfunctions, equipment failure, or screening quality issues
  • Scheduling conflicts, programming changes, or event cancellations
  • Third-party claims or actions arising from the film's content

7.3 In any event, NSFF's total aggregate liability shall not exceed the amount of submission fees paid by the Filmmaker (if applicable).


8. WITHDRAWAL AND CANCELLATION

8.1 Once a film is officially selected, the Filmmaker may not withdraw it from the Festival without prior written consent from NSFF.

8.2 Unauthorized withdrawal may result in disqualification from future NSFF editions and forfeiture of any awards or recognition.

8.3 Submission fees are non-refundable, regardless of selection status, withdrawal, or cancellation.

8.4 NSFF reserves the right to cancel or postpone the Festival due to force majeure events (including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, government restrictions, civil unrest, or venue unavailability) without liability to Filmmakers.


9. PUBLICITY AND FILMMAKER OBLIGATIONS

9.1 Selected Filmmakers are encouraged to promote their participation through personal channels, crediting NSFF appropriately.

9.2 Filmmakers must not misrepresent their Festival status, selection category, or awards received.

9.3 Filmmakers are expected to conduct themselves professionally during all Festival activities and interactions. NSFF reserves the right to revoke credentials or remove participants engaging in harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behavior.

9.4 If the Filmmaker or key crew members are able to attend the Festival, they agree to participate in reasonable promotional activities, including Q&A sessions, panel discussions, interviews, and photo opportunities, unless exceptional circumstances prevent attendance.


10. DATA PROTECTION AND PRIVACY

10.1 NSFF collects personal information (name, email, phone number, institutional affiliation, film details) solely for Festival administration, communication, and promotional purposes.

10.2 Personal data will be processed in accordance with applicable data protection laws, including the Information Technology Act, 2000 (India), and international data protection standards.

10.3 NSFF will not sell, rent, or share Filmmakers' personal information with third parties for commercial purposes without explicit consent.

10.4 Personal information may be shared with Festival partners (jury members, sponsors, media partners) strictly for legitimate Festival operations.

10.5 Filmmakers have the right to request access to, correction of, or deletion of their personal data by contacting NSFF in writing.

10.6 By submitting, Filmmakers consent to receiving Festival-related communications, including selection notifications, event updates, and information about future NSFF editions. Filmmakers may opt out of promotional communications at any time.


11. THIRD-PARTY CONTENT AND SPONSORS

11.1 NSFF may partner with sponsors, media organizations, and cultural institutions. Such partnerships do not imply Festival endorsement of third-party products or services.

11.2 NSFF is not responsible for the actions, content, or policies of third-party partners, sponsors, or venues.

11.3 Filmmakers acknowledge that sponsor logos may appear in Festival materials, venues, and promotional content but such branding does not constitute an endorsement by or of the Filmmaker.


12. AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

12.1 Jury decisions are final and binding. NSFF does not entertain appeals, disputes, or challenges regarding award selections.

12.2 Award criteria, categories, and prize structures are determined solely by NSFF and may be modified at the Festival's discretion.

12.3 Awards may include certificates, trophies, cash prizes, or industry opportunities. Prize details will be communicated to winners directly.

12.4 NSFF reserves the right to withhold an award in any category if the jury determines that no submission meets the required standard.

12.5 Winners are responsible for any applicable taxes on cash prizes or awards as per Indian tax laws.


13. CLAIMS AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

13.1 Any claim, complaint, or dispute arising from these Terms and Conditions or the Filmmaker's participation in NSFF must be submitted in writing via registered post to the Festival's registered office within thirty (30) days of the issue arising.

13.2 Claims submitted after this period will not be considered admissible.

13.3 NSFF and the Filmmaker agree to attempt resolution of disputes through good faith negotiation and mediation before pursuing legal action.

13.4 If disputes cannot be resolved amicably, they shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

13.5 These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India.


14. FORCE MAJEURE

14.1 NSFF shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations under these Terms and Conditions due to force majeure events, including but not limited to:

  • Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, fires, pandemics)
  • Government actions, restrictions, or regulations
  • Civil unrest, strikes, or labor disputes
  • Venue unavailability or infrastructure failure
  • Acts of terrorism or war
  • Any other circumstances beyond NSFF's reasonable control

14.2 In the event of force majeure, NSFF may postpone, relocate, modify, or cancel Festival events without liability to Filmmakers. NSFF will make reasonable efforts to provide timely communication regarding such changes.


15. AMENDMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS

15.1 NSFF reserves the right to amend, modify, or update these Terms and Conditions at any time.

15.2 Material changes will be communicated to Filmmakers via email or through the Festival website.

15.3 Continued participation in the Festival following notification of amendments constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms and Conditions.

15.4 Any waiver or modification of these terms must be made in writing and signed by an authorized representative of NSFF to be valid.


16. SEVERABILITY

16.1 If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable.

16.2 The invalidity of any provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions, which shall continue in full force and effect.


17. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

17.1 These Terms and Conditions, together with the Consent/Declaration Form and any additional submission guidelines, constitute the entire agreement between the Filmmaker and NSFF regarding Festival participation.

17.2 These terms supersede all prior discussions, agreements, representations, or understandings, whether written or oral.

17.3 No representation, promise, or inducement not included in these Terms and Conditions shall be binding on either party.


18. CONTACT AND COMMUNICATION

18.1 All official communications regarding the Festival should be directed to:

National Students' Film Festival, Mumbai (NSFF'26)

203, A Wing ,Richa Bougainville ,Near K.E.S School, Sunder Nagar Rd, Kolivery Village, Vidya Nagari, Kalina, Santacruz East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400098

Email: Nsffmumbai@gmail.com

Phone: +91 94055 24674 (Rakesh Lavte)

Website: www.nsff.in

18.2 Filmmakers are responsible for ensuring their contact information is accurate and up-to-date throughout the Festival cycle.

18.3 NSFF is not liable for communications that fail to reach Filmmakers due to incorrect contact details, email filtering, or technical delivery issues.


19. FINAL PROVISIONS

19.1 By submitting a film to NSFF, the Filmmaker acknowledges that:

  • They have read and fully understood these Terms and Conditions
  • They have the legal capacity and authority to enter into this agreement
  • They accept all terms without reservation or qualification
  • They understand the legal implications and binding nature of this agreement

19.2 These Terms and Conditions are binding upon the Filmmaker, their heirs, successors, legal representatives, and assigns.

19.3 NSFF's failure to enforce any provision of these Terms and Conditions shall not constitute a waiver of such provision or of the right to enforce it in the future.